SHEPSHED residents and local businesses are being asked to rack their brains to raise money for the new youth centre in Shepshed.

The Passion Youth Project, set up by the Diocese of Leicester and Shepshed Churches Together with the help of Leicestershire Police, local high schools and local youth groups, is now nearing completion at its home in the Bull Ring at was once a massage parlour.

The centre will be for young people aged 11-19 with the activities and facilities available there coming from suggestions made by local school pupils.

So far more than £10,000 has been raised for the centre but more is still needed.

Rev Cynthia Hebden is trying to arrange a fundraising event for the new year

She told the Echo: “We desperately need funds for this venture and thought an Auction of Promises would be a nice idea.

“We are looking for people to make pledges to do things such as gardening, ironing, babysitting, car washing etc and we’re also appealing to the tradespeople to give meals, hair-dos and hampers.

“But if it’s going to be a success we need something a little bit out of the ordinary to get people to come.

“It would be really good if we could have at least one unusual attraction like a trip around somewhere one can’t normally visit.”

Anyone thinking of making a promise or donating can contact Rev Hebden on 01509 508550 or Robin Rolls, director of youth ministry at Leicester Diocese, on 0116 2487442.